Picture transmission and reception system



April 9, 1935. c. w. HOUGH PICTURE TRANSMISSION ANDRECEPTION SYSTEM Filed June 12, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 iilliilli I I I N v lr un m W HH INVENTOR. @mm m BY .JTTQRNEYflj (3. W. HOUGH April 9, 1935.

PICTURE TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 12, 1928 Raw m EN

INVEN TOR.

9a w z. TORNEY S.

April 9, 1935-.

C. W. HOUGH PICTURE TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 12, 1928 IN V EN TOR.

5; M ATTORNEY A ril 9, 1935. c. w. HOUGH PICTURE TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION SYSTEM v Filed 'Jfine 12, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 H Hu INIVENTOR. @fim/t'ow 9W; Ja /M96,

I 'ATTORNEVBI.

Patented Apr. 9, 1935 PICTURE TRANS- PATENT OFFICE" SSION AND RECEPTION TEM - Glinton W. Bough, Boonville, N. Y., assignor, by

Y mesne assignments, to Wired Radio, Inc., New

York, Y., a corporation of Delaware Application June 12,1928, Serial No. 284,768

My invention relates to the transmission and reception of motion pictures, by means of either space radio or wired radio sytems.

An object of my invention is to provide a system for simultaneous transmission and reception of a group of successive pictures.

' Another object of my invention is to provide a method of scanning each individual picture frame of a motion picture film and a means for scanning a vbeam of light in the means for reception. i

A further object of my invention is to provide a method of scanning each individual picture frame ,or for duplicate scanning each picture frame or alternate picture frames: in both transmitter and receiver. 7 I Still a further object of my invention is to provide --a system for reproducing colored images and projecting the picture or image on a screen .or on another motion picture film, in the'natural colors. v

Other and further objects of my invention are shown in the following specification and in the accompanying drawings, in which: I t

Figure 1 illustrates the apparatus I employ in the transmission of motion pictures.

,2 illustrates the scanning wheel I employ in the apparatus of my invention.

Fig. 3 shows further details of the scanning wheel :or band and illustrates the perforations for interrupting or scanning.

Fig, 4 shows further details of ,the perforations in the scanning wheel or band. I

Fig. 5 illustratesjthe relative spacing :of the perforations in .the scanning wheel or band. I

1 Fig. 6 illustrates a synchronizing method and. the system .I employ for the reception of motion pictures.

.Figs. 77 and 8 are diagrammatic illustrations of my system for the transmission and reception of motion pictures, .by space radio and wired radio systems respectively. I In the embodiment of I my invention herein shown and described, certain features constitute subject matter for a separate invention in accordance with my co-pending application, Serial No. 391,039, filed September '7, 1929., now Patent No. 1,972,444, granted Sept. 4, 1934.

In Fig. l of the drawings the transmission apparatus is mountedon .a base 1. Base I has an upstanding member 36 upon which are mounted filmreels -5 and 16. A case M for the motor 2 together with reflector 8, projectionlamp 9, and =oondensing lens H), is mounted on the common basetl; A base :3 supporting motor 2, reflector 8, projection lamp .9 and condensing lens I0 is mounted on case 14. An upstanding member 36 supports driving mechanism for reels 5 and 5, and film Q5. The driving mechanism includes motor 2, chain or belt [5, pulleys and sprockets 4 and l and Geneva .star or cam movements I6. Upstanding member 36 supports in addition to the driving mechanism for film 46, focusing lens ll and light sensitive cell l2 enclo'sed'by cover 5|, An opening vll is provided through the case l4 and is of similar dimensions to one picture frame of film 4.6.

In Fig. 2 of the drawings, the scanner wheel 22 has an upstanding rim 2.3 which is perforated to interrupt the rays .of light. Scanner wheel 22 is made rigid by ribs 2! pressed therein. A hub 13.!) has a key '20 whereby the exact position of scan.- nerwheel can be determined in respect to the lens and other equipment, thus enabling synchroniza tion of both transmission and. reception equipment.

Fig. 3 shows the scanner wheel 22 and scanner band 23 with perforations 21,. the perforations being arranged ina width '25 on the band23 corresponding to the Width of the film frame. A hub 30 and hole 29 indicate the mounting of the scannerwheel 22 on the-shaft .of the motor} ilfrustrated in Fig. l. 28 represents the circular degree of perforations while 28' represents that portion of the band 23 which is opaque .or not perforated.

Figs. 4 ,andfishow the scanner band. 23 of scan ner wheel 22 in greater detail. .The reference characters here are the same as those of Figf3 wherein, 23 represents the scanner band in its entirety, 25 represents the Width. Qf the area 28 which is perforated. The perforations 21 are spaced along a diagonalv line and spaced the, height of the film frame. [The portion'lfi is opaque and not perforated and constitutes 25% of the circular measure of-the scanner -bandIZ3, The scanner band 23 is a development ofscanner wheel .22 Lalthoughit might be otherwise .con-

structed of suitable material and secured to the scanning wheel .by rivets .or machinescrews.

Fig. 6 shows the receiving apparatus and in- .cludes a base .I similar to the base .I of the transmitter illustrated in Fig. 1. A case ill is mounted on base I and supports the sub-base 3 upon which are mounted-motor 2, reflector 8, high frequency are light or glow discharge tube MI and condens ing lens sill. An upstanding member mounted on .base 3 supports an adjustable-shaft 41 foradjustin g theapparatus in .synchronism with the ,trans-' mitting apparatus. Shaft 41 has a knohordi-al 42 for synchronization adjustment. Scanner wheel 22 is mounted on the shaft of motor 2 and movable therewith. Inclosure case I4 also provides a support for focusinglens I I and color filter 44. Color filter 44 is mechanically connected with the shaft of motor 2 by shaft 43 and is adusted for synchronization with scanning wheel 22. Color filter 44, interceptslight rays projected on. the screen 45.

A method of synchronizing that may be em'- ployed with my system for transmissionand reception is also shown. Scanning wheel 22 is shown with scanning band 23. The opaque portion 26 of scanning band 23 is illustrated asconsti-tuting a 90 arc of A. the circumference of scanning band 23. on scanning wheel22. Synchronizing coil system 32 is stationary and may be mounted on the scanning wheel case I4. i

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of my system for transmission and receptionof motion pictures by space'radio, reference numbers correspending to those in the preceding Figs. 1 and 6. Variations of current are amplified and modulate the output of the space radio transmitter.

' Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of my system for the transmission and reception of motion pictures by Wired radio, reference numbers corresponding to those in Figs. 1 and 6. Variations of current are amplified and caused to modulate the output energy of a wired radio transmitter. The wired radio transmitter is connected electrically with the receiver.

The operation of my system for the transmission and reception of motion pictures and for the transmission and reception of colored motion pictures is as follows: In the transmitter, the positive film 46 is mechanically moved down past a rectangular opening I! corresponding to the size of the frame or individual picture on the film. The film 46 is moved continuously at the points where it leaves the supply reel 5 and where it enters-the receiving reel 6 after projection. Between the points where the film leaves the supply reel and where it enters the receiving reel there are two loops formed in the film. These loops allow sufficient slack in the film 'so'that the central section of the film between the supply and receiving reels may be moved in- 'termittently without putting any strain on the film. This central section of film 46 is moved continuously at the two outward ends of the two loops by means'of uniformly rotating sprocket wheels I the teeth of which mesh with perforaward through the projector.

tions in the outer edges of the film 46. At the two sprocket wheels I the film moves uniformly for- Between the two sprocket wheels is an intermittent movement operated by a mm or Geneva star mechanism I6. The metal fingers of this movement engage the perforations in the edge of the film and each operation moves the film down exactly one "frame or picture. The standard speed of projection is at the rate of sixteen frames per second. The opaque section 26 of scanning band 23, cuts off the projecting light during the downward movement of the film. The film is then held stationary andthe perforated section 25 of the scanning band 23 allows the light to be projected through the picture and on the light-sensitive cell I 2. The opaque portion 26 of the scanning band 23 shuts off the light and the film is again moved down one frameandthe cycle repeated. At the rate of sixteen projections per second, the time required for a complete cycle is 4/64 second.

Synchronizing magnet 3| is mounted Of this, roughly 1/64 second is devoted to the movement of the film and during this interval the light sensitive cell I2 is dark. 3/64 second is devoted to the projection. This means that each individual frame of the motion picture film 46 mustbe scanned, transmitted, received and reproduced in. 3/64 second. The synchronizing function may be operated during the 1/64 second interval when no picture is being transmitted.

The scanning wheel and band of my invention combines the-shutter with the scanner and is employed at both the transmitter and the receiver. Referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, my scanning device consists of a wheel 22, or it may be a disc or band 23 of opaque material in which are a series of small perforations 21 for the trans mission of light. If the film is moved in the time cycle above outlined, then 25% of the periphery of the. wheel, disc or length of the band, is opaque, without any perforations. 75% of the periphery is provided with small openings arranged diagonally on the band along a curved line of uniformly increasing distance from the center of a disc or diagonally around the circumference of the flange rim of a. wheel. Vertically they are spaced the distance apart corresponding to the height of the motion picture frame? and horizontally they are spaced so that each successive opening joins the space occupied by the previous opening and the total number of openings correspond to the width of the frame opening. The successive openings are'therefore so positioned that in moving over the rectangular frame opening corresponding to the picture area all portions of the picture will, be succes+ sively subject'toa light beam which is varied in-intensity by vbeing reducedfin brilli'ancy in proportion to the density of-the picture film andwill therefore correspond in intensity to the point of the picture in the path of the beam. The varying intensity beam is focused on to a light sensitive cell and correspondingly varies the energy flowing 'in its electrical output circuit. This output energy is amplified by means of audion amplifiers and operates to modulate the carrier wave of a spaceradio -or wired radio transmitter. A p I For thetransmission of colored motion pictures alternate successive frames of the film are exposed through complementary color screens or filters, the even numbered frames through; one filter and the oddnumbered frames through the second filter. As this is done when the picture is made in the original camera exposure the preparation of the film and running it through the transmitter is exactly like the ordinary film.

Fig. 5 shows the system for reception and'reproduction of the colored motion pictures which includes a driving mechanism, light system and general layout similar to the transmitter except that all of the film apparatus is omitted. ;'-A high frequency are or any satisfactory form of glow discharge tube 40 maybe employed as the light source. The amount of light emitted'by this lamp varies in proportion to the modulation of the carrier wave and therefore corresponds to the amount of light passedby the transmitting scanner through the varying density of the'film in the transmitter. The scanning wheel-'22 rotates in synchronism with the transmitter scanning wheel and therefore the beam of light occ'upies the same relative position on the receiving screen at each instant. The projection lens mounting II ismovable in and out so that the eye 01*. natural: colors.

Cal

I mangoes be focused properly a receiving screen offivaryingf'dimensionsz: A rotating color filter 'H is showr'rrevolvingi im front of' the: pro.- jectorr system. "This is operatediby suitable mechanicam connection 48'. to the driving. motor 2; There QIE fiWOQCGIOIZ561 88115111 this-element. The screens are madexof. two compensated; com.- plemcntary colors which: give the-.zfeffect tDhthB This two'pant: screen ro- 'tates at the speedroizthe standard; scan.- ning wheel. 22,...showing"; ia'ltemate: pictures different; colored :partions; of. the The: fllten 'i be. located anywhere in the light path but it is convenient. toplaceit where 'iiimaybe'remnvedif monochrome pictures are preferred or if at any time ordinary instead of colored motion pictures are being sent out by the transmitter.

As the scanning element 22 makes the first revolution the first colored screen is in the light beam, as it makes the second revolution the second colored screen is in the light beam so that successive pictures are colored alternately by the screens and the effect of naturally colored pictures is given to the spectator as the effect of.

the first is retained and combined with the effect of the second.

The manner in which synchronism of the transmitter and receivers is obtained when the receivers and transmitter operateon the same system of electric current supply of 60 cycles, synchronism inherent in the 60 cycle supply can usually be depended upon. This is largely true in stations that are interconnected in super power systems. Ordinary 60 cycle synchronous motors may be used and the scanning wheel adjusted around its axis, until the picture became sharp, and then fixed in this position. For space radio and where the 60 cycle motors do not operate on the same system another method must be used to periodically correct for any tendency to get out of step. This method employs a synchronizing impulse in the form of modulated high frequency energy during the period that the picture frame is being moved, the opaque section shutting off the light beam and no light impulses being transmitted. In the transmitter a coil of wire connected through an amplifier to the modulation circuit, is mounted in close proximity tothe scranning wheel. An electro magnet or a permanent magnet is mounted on the scanning wheel so that the coil and magnet will be in close proximity when the light is obstructed by the opaque portion of the rim. As the magnet is turned past the stationary coil there is generated an electrical impulse in the stationary coil. This impulse is amplified and caused to modulate the carrier energy of the transmitter. This impulse is received and amplified and caused to energize a similar coil in the receiver. receiver will acton a similar electro magnet or permanent magnet in the scanning wheel of the receiver and retard or advance the scanning wheel. Thus a synchronizing impulse will be exertedduring each revolution of the scanning wheel during the interval when no picture is being transmitted. Sound could also be recorded on the motion picture film to be transmitted and at the receiving station the pictures in natural colors could be reproduced accompanied by the reproduced sound.

It is obvious that many systems for the transmission and reception of motion pictures may be The energization of the coil in the v employed: without departing fmin the! spirit; of my invention, and do: intend to: limitrmy invention to the. foregoing'specificatianz .Oll'r'glifl the accompanying: drawings: but: onlycas sholwnhy the scope of. the. appendedaclaims;

What Iclaim as newand: desireto: securesby Letters Patent. of" the. I-inited .States is as: {011' lows:

1.. In a system for transmitting: mctinirpicture I films: having successive pictures; thereon: sepsarartedxby' a. frame line. on film,. means for moving the film. subject to. be. transmitted: in; one

directinm past a predetermined; pomt;..means; for

projecting. a. light beam through said'film in. a line for line manner along straightipathsapamal lel to the path of motion thereof, and means including a rectangularly apertured mask for obstructing said light beam at the borders of the picture frame.

2. A method of scanning differently characterized latent color frames of a color motion picture film which comprises projecting a beam of light along rectilinear lines within one color characterized framed portion of said film while stationary, subsequently moving the film to'permit a succeeding and differently color characterized frame to be scanned, and interrupting the scanning operation while the motion picture film is being moved from one latent color frame to the next.

3. In a system for the transmission and reception of motion pictures means including an apertured scanning drum for directing beams of light successively through elemental portions of a succession of different color component frames of a latent color motion picture film along rectilinear scanning lines, a light responsive device acted upon by said beams of light for translating the scanning operation into television signals, and receiving apparatus comprising means responsive to said signals for modulating a beam of light, a scanning drumfor distributing said beam successively along rectilinear scanning lines and over elemental portions of a visible screen, anda color filter adapted to move in synchronism with said receiving drum for imparting one color to all of the modulated light corresponding to one of said transmitted frames and another color to the modulated light corresponding to another of said transmitted frames.

4. A television system in accordance with claim 3 in which a source for the first said light beams is provided internally of the first said scanning drum and the scanned area of said film is, disposed closely adjacent the periphery of said drum.

5. A television system in accordance with claim 3 in which the apertures of each said scanning drum are disposed about a portion of the periphery thereof and the remainder of saidperiphery is totally opaque for obstructing the light beam during the time interval in which successive pictures are moved into scanning position.

6. A television system in accordance with claim 3 in which successive pictures of said filmare moved in one direction intermittently, and the apertures of said scanning drum are arranged to direct said beams of light along rectilinear scanning lines which are parallel to the direction of motion of said film and so that the scanning of said film is performed only when the scanned picture area thereof is stationary.

'7. A television apparatus comprising, a source of signal controlled irradiations; a rotatable scanning element for successively defining said irration to another.

diations into the' elemental areas of a picture, arotatable color'screen for characterizing the irradiations so defined .with different colors, a motor for driving said rotatable scanningele- I ment at a predetermined speed, and reduction gears intercoupling said motor and said color screen'for driving said color screen at a reduced rate of speed for characterizing different con secutive groups of elemental areas of a picture with difierent colors, said rotatable scanning element including means for periodically masking said irradiations from the field of view for a predetermined interval between the changes of said irradiations from one color characteriza- 8. Television apparatus comprising, a signal controlled source of light; a scanningdrum have ing apertures therein for rectilinearly defining said light into different-consecutive picture ele; ments, atrotatable color fllterifor imparting dit- .ferent color characteristics to theirradiatlons structed to mask the light from said s'ourcewhen said filter changes from one color characteristic to another. 7

CLINTON w. HoUGH." 5 

